Practical advice for traveling with your pets

Thursday

Oct 29, 2009 at 3:32 PM

Flying with a pet can be easy and enjoyable if owners use common sense and follow a few basic rules to ensure the animal's safety and comfort. Each airline has its own guidelines for pet travel, such as seasonal breed restrictions, minimum age and health requirements, and United States Department of Agriculture regulations regarding temperatures in airport holding areas.

Flying with a pet can be easy and enjoyable if owners use common sense and follow a few basic rules to ensure the animal's safety and comfort. Each airline has its own guidelines for pet travel, such as seasonal breed restrictions, minimum age and health requirements, and United States Department of Agriculture regulations regarding temperatures in airport holding areas.

or example, United Airlines complies with USDA regulations that a puppy must be eight weeks old and completely weaned before traveling. Owners must show a health certificate that complies with state and federal laws, and certain short-faced breeds, such as French bulldogs, Lhasa Apsos, pugs, and Cavalier King Charles spaniels are not accepted for travel between June 1 and September 30. These specially designated breeds, however, are allowed to travel in the cabin if accompanied by a passenger.

Most airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin if the carrier — with the pet in it — will fit beneath the seat," writes noted author and pet care expert Kim Campbell Thornton in a recent e-mail interview. "Even longtime holdout Southwest Airlines recently announced that it would begin permitting in-cabin travel for pets."

Thornton states that pets must be able to stand up and turn around inside the carrier.

As you can imagine, that limits in-cabin air travel to small dogs, with the exception being service animals." she continues, adding that reservations must be made well in advance of the departure date because most airlines limit the number of pets permitted on each flight, usually to one or two to a cabin.

The respected pet writer emphasizes that in-cabin travel is as safe for pets as it is for their owners.

"Flying pets in cargo is not recommended by either the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or the AHA (American Humane Association), simply because it's stressful and it's impossible to know how a pet is reacting to that stress," she warns, adding that Persian and other flat-faced feline breeds should never be flown in an aircraft cargo compartment.

"If there is no way around it and you must fly your pet in cargo, you should choose a nonstop or direct flight, so the animal does not have to be moved from one plane to another," Thornton continues, suggesting that if an airline does allow a particular breed top be flown in summer, an owner should choose an early morning or late night flight, when temperatures are cooler. For intercontinental travel, Thornton suggests that pet owners select a "red eye" or overnight flight.

The respected writer also offers some practical advice for owners taking their pets on road trips this summer.

"For car trips, the important factors are the pet's comfort and identification in case of loss," she discloses. "If you have a pet that gets carsick, consider purchasing a car seat or for a larger breed, a dog seatbelt that allows the animal that allows the pet to sit up at window level. Being able to see out the window or get a breath of fresh air can help reduce the incidence of car sickness."

Thornton reveals that some veterinary experts and experienced pet owners recommend feeding canines a gingersnap or two before leaving home for a car trip.

"If you want something more reliable, there is now a medication that can be prescribed by a veterinarian to prevent car sickness," she reports.

"Stop every couple of hours so you and your dog can get out and walk around," Thornton advises. "See if your dog wants some water or needs to go potty. Be sure

To bring a favorite toy for your dog to snuggle with in his crate or at the hotel, so he'll feel at home."

If pets are allowed to stay in a hotel, Thornton tells owners not to forget to pack a flat sheet to throw over the sofa/bed so it doesn't get covered with pet hair. It's also a good idea to travel with a good odor/stain removal product and plenty of paper towels in case your pet has an accident in the car or at the hotel.

"Generally, dogs are probably better travelers than cats, but if your cat is outgoing and well socialized, there's no reason he won't enjoy traveling with you," Thornton says.

"If you get a kitten and know you will be traveling with him, make sure he meets lots of people, goes for lots of rides in the car with you (to the drive-through at the bank or the Dairy Queen or any similar destination where he doesn't have to be left in the car), and teach him to walk on a leash," the author advises. "The only real drawback to traveling with a cat compared to a dog is that a cat needs a litter box."